Snippets of History
Masquerading as a Man
At the beginning of the last century a woman dressed as a man worked as shearers cook at "Binnia Downs". The case is similar to that of Marion Edwards who was fined 75.00 pounds in 1906 for masquerading as a man. Marion had dressed in mens attire for more than seven years, from twelve years of age, to support herself. Knowing she had to do hard work about the farms, she realized that working for a male wage required no harder work.
In her experience 'as a man' she travelled from station to station with a male who was ignorant of her gender. She worked at wool sorting, horse breaking and as a 'barman'.
Women masquerading as men at the time were not uncommon, as it was the only way some could obtain employment, or equitable wages.
*************************